Jane LeeJasmine Husain

Calvin LeeDerek Kao

Period 3Frankenstein -Super Reading Reference Sheet

Title: Frankenstein

Publication Date: 1831

Author: Mary Shelley

Nationality: English

Author’s Birth/Death Dates: August 30, 1797 - February 1, 1851

Distinguishing Traits of Author:

She was the child of philosopher, novelist, and journalist William Godwin. Of her time, Mary Shelley received a great education and had a natural longing to learn. She is noted for her deep insights of society, politics, and psychology. She had a habit of intensive reading and studying. Throughout her life, Shelly went through tough times, especially the death of three of her children. Her mother died of puerperal fever 10 days after Mary was born, leaving her father to raise her. Godwin, her father, provided his daughter with an education rich in liberal political perspective. He also remarried, but Mary detested her new stepmother, contributing to possibly the revering, loving portrayal of the mother in dedication to the memory of her original mother. Another factor that influenced her writing was the fact that Mary was married at the time of writing and had received inspiration to write the story after visiting Geneva. The idea for the story was reportedly conceived when Mary was immersed in a writing competition with Lord Byron while at Switzerland in 1816.

Setting (time & place) of Work:

North Sea:The beginning and ending setting was a Walton’s ship, which was stuck on the North Sea, surrounded and entrapped by walls of ice for several days in the year 1817. The features around the ship serve as a burial chamber, where the ice serve as the walls of the casket or chamber that would entomb the body of Frankenstein. The cold temperature and lack of life indicate a grave mood, foreshadowing the demise of Frankenstein and contributing to the overall feeling of gradual death. The overall mood and atmosphere established by the cold climate and impenetrable shards of ice is one of hopelessness, paralleling the situation of the sailors with that of the futility of Frankenstein’s final quest to hunt down the monster.

Geneva, Switzerland:The main setting, in which the story mainly takes place, is in Geneva, Switzerland. This is the place of birth for Frankenstein, the location of his family’s estate, and the scene of many important events during the novel. Geneva is shown in two extreme states. The first of which is a very serene, peaceful, and beautiful environment that seems to complement and symbolize the tranquility in the beginning of the story. However, as the story progresses and Frankenstein creates his monster, Geneva brings on harsh rain and storms that seem to represent an imminent conflict that would inevitably cause the downfall of Victor.

Ingolstadt:The university Frankenstein attends is called the University of Ingolstadt. It represents a place of learning and knowledge. However, it is here where Frankenstein discovers the secret of life and begins the series of tragedies that will happen to him.Ingolstadt represents the duality of knowledge; while knowledge can enlighten humans and educate them, certain pieces of knowledge can be harmful and destructive.

Valley of Chamounix (Swiss Alps):After a series of unfortunate events, Victor finds the monster at the summit of Montanvert and the monster retells the story of his recent life. When they make an agreement with each other about a new female creature, Frankenstein heads to England and Scotland to gather further information.

England/Scotland:In Scotland, Frankenstein starts his creation of a female monster, but destroys it in the process. He throws the remains of the body into the ocean, and stays on the boat. He finally wakes up and washes ashore to Ireland, where he is convicted as a murderer. While this place is far from home, the effects of his actions in England once again harms his family. He is eventually proven innocent, and as the story continues on, Frankenstein chases the monster and eventually makes his way back to Geneva, and finally the Northern Ice, where he is located at the beginning of the story.

Brief Plot Synopsis

Frankenstein begins with a series of letters written by Captain Robert Walton to his sister, Margaret Saville. Walton recounts the events that occur on his journey to discover knowledge and wisdom. On one particular day, while the ship is stuck in ice, Walton and the sailors see a sled with a large man go by quickly. Later, another sled approaches, with a man who is close to death. The men convince the second man to come aboard after assuring him that they, too, are traveling north. They nurse the man back to health, and discover that he was chasing the large man. The man promises to share his story with Captain Walton in order to warn him of the dangers that may arise from the pursuit of knowledge.

The man reveals that his name is Victor Frankenstein and he is a part of a respected family in Geneva. Frankenstein had a happy childhood, spent in the company of his adopted sister Elizabeth Lavenza and best friend Henry Clerval. He then goes off

to study at the University of Ingolstadt where he discovers a love of natural philosophy and chemistry. He exceeds in his studies, but becomes obsessed with the objective to discover the secret of life. After months of endless experimenting at the expense of his health, Frankenstein creates a monster that comes to life. However, the monster’s physique is so hideous that it frightens Frankenstein, and he runs away in fear.

Clerval arrives at the university to study as well, but instead finds his friend feverishly ill. Clerval tends to Frankenstein, who decides to return home after he gets well. Before he leaves, he receives a letter from his father telling him of the death of his youngest brother, William. Frankenstein grieves for his brother as he hurries home. When passing the woods where his brother was murdered, Frankenstein catches sight of the monster and immediately becomes convince that the monster strangled his brother. After being reunited with his family, he discovers that Justine Moritz, a girl close with the Frankenstein family, has been accused of murdering William. Justine is tried, convicted, and promptly executed.

Frankenstein feels great remorse and guilt, thinking that he is the cause of the deaths of William and Justine. Hoping to escape the sadness, Frankenstein takes a trip to the mountains where he encounters his creation. The monster explains to Frankenstein that he indeed killed William and framed Justine but only because of the overwhelming loneliness he feels. He recounts how he has tried to become friends with humans only to be driven away.

He told Victor about how he travels for days across the woods, and snow, either in the scorching hot sun, or the brutal, ice cold wind, starving, and beat. Finally when he approaches a town with people in it, they start throwing things at him and call him inhumane names. He finally finds a safe place for himself to hide where he could not be seen or heard by anyone. He stays in that hovel, which was connected to a cottage, for a very long, but useful time. Through a hole in the wall the monster watches the people that lived in the cottage every day and slowly understands their language, feelings, and why they took certain actions. After a very long time he had built up a little courage to present himself in front of one of the family members, the old blind man De Lacey. Knowing De Lacey would not judge him of his horrendous appearance, the monster introduces himself to the man who was very polite in return. Just as he tells the man about his wretched condition in the world, the rest of the family walks into the cottage shocked at what they see, and expectedly attack the beast. As the monster escaped into the wilderness, he vows to hate mankind for not giving him a chance and for judging him without knowing his intentions for the rest of his life. It was then that he murdered William. The monster asks Frankenstein to create a female companion for him to end his loneliness. He promises to leave Frankenstein and the rest of the world alone after he has his mate. Frankenstein reluctantly agrees to the plan and heads to England to create the second monster.

Frankenstein isolates himself on an island in the Orkneys to work on the second monster. One night, he sees the monster standing outside his window and suddenly becomes overwhelmed with the idea of creating a second monster. He destroys his work, which angers the monster who then vows to be with Frankenstein on his wedding night. Frankenstein takes the remains of his work into a boat and dumps it in the middle of the lake during the night. A storm comes, and Frankenstein is swept to another shore.

Upon landing, Frankenstein is accused of murdering a man who had turned up dead that night. Frankenstein is taken to see the man and discovers that his friend Clerval had been strangled to death. He falls ill again his father comes to take him home. Frankenstein decides to marry Elizabeth soon in order to bring some happiness into his life. He also wants to confront the monster for the last time and attempt to kill him. Thinking that the monster was after him, Frankenstein stays outside with a gun on his wedding night. He hears a scream inside and finds his wife dead. Frankenstein’s father dies shortly afterwards from grief as well.

Frankenstein decides to devote the rest of his life chasing down the monster to kill him. His journey was long and arduous, and he was at the verge of death until he met Captain Walton. A few days later, Frankenstein dies after making Walton promise to continue chasing the monster for him. Walton is surprised to find the monster weeping over Frankenstein’s body, saying that he did not intend to be evil. The story ends with the monster promising to kill itself in a funeral pile.

Brief Description of Characters:

- Victor Frankenstein: Victor Frankenstein is the protagonist in the novel and the creator of the monster. He is constantly haunted by his evil deeds but never acts upon them. He lives a life of secrecy and guilt that and fails to confess to others about the truth. This lifestyle constantly haunts him throughout the entire novel. He admits that “[he] felt as if [he] [was] placed under a ban – as if [he] had no right to claim [his] [family’s] sympathies – as if never more might [he] enjoy companionship with them” (108). His decision in living his life in this manner of secrecy ultimately leads to the death of his entire family.

- The Monster: The Monster is Victor Frankenstein’s creation. Initially, he is confused about the world and how he came about to be but soon learns through his own experiences and his isolation from society. Through his terrible experiences in the world of human beings, “…[he] vowed eternal hatred and vengeance to all mankind” (101). He feels satisfaction in creating damage and gaining revenge upon his creator. Ultimately, it is inherent that the monster only wants to be considered as an equal to his creator and commits a great amount of violence in order for Frankenstein to feel the pain he felt himself. This characteristic of his shows his ultimate want to be treated fairly and to be accepted into society.

- Robert Walton: Robert Walton is the captain aboard a ship heading to the Northern Ice. He is lonesome and never had a true friend throughout his life. However, when he meets Victor Frankenstein, he finally seems to have found someone that he can listen to and talk with. He writes of his adventures to his sister Margaret Saville and feels optimistic because “[Frankenstein] regards [him] with the tenderest compassion” (158). Finally having a companion, Walton feels a hope and expectation to fulfill his goals. In the same way, he is also a listener to the monster at the end of the novel. Overall, he has the image of a confidante that can be trusted and respected.

- Elizabeth Lavenza: In the novel, Elizabeth acts as a sweet, comforting, and caring mother figure to anyone who is in need of support, either mentally or physically. Elizabeth is described by Victor to be similar to a celestial figure as he describes her as a “saintly soul” (33). To Victor, Elizabeth was like an angel that he prized, adored, and doted upon and drew happiness and satisfaction from her “celestial eyes” (33). Victor’s relationship with her was incredibly harmonious, so much that they were described as “strangers to any species of disunion or dispute (32). Their relationship was each other was nothing short of permanent harmony and union in which the two could never be severed from each other permanently. Elizabeth, with her heaven-like radiance and emotional tie to Victor, was the single most important figure to him in his entire life.

- Henry Clerval: Henry Clerval is the dear childhood friend of Victor Frankenstein. He stays by Victor’s side and embodies the character of a best friend. When Victor falls ill in Ingolstadt, Clerval stays by his side and tells Frankenstein “you will repay me entirely, if you do not discompose yourself, but get well as fast you can” (39). Instead of asking for a repayment, he values the companionship of Frankenstein more than anything else. He is willing to be a companion that never leaves Victor’s side. Ultimately, his optimistic and happy figure contrasts sharply with the depressed and distressed Victor.

- Alphonse Frankenstein – Frankenstein’s father, Alphonse, is a family-oriented man who cares deeply for all his children, including the adopted ones. He is a person that does not harbor hatred or revenge in his heart; after William’s death, he asks Frankenstein to come home “with kindness and affection for those who love [him], and not hatred for [his] enemies” (47). When seeing Frankenstein in deep despair, he attempts “to inspire [him] with fortitude, and awaken in [him] the courage to dispel the dark cloud which brooded over [him]” (61). Alphonse is an emotionally tough man who tries his best to stand strong through all the deaths.

- Felix, Agatha, De Lacey: This family of three is the monster’s access to learning the ways of human life and interaction. However, De Lacey is the monster’s main interest because he does not have the perception to see and the monster understands he can use this to his advantage. De Lacey, the old wise man he is, understands that “to be friendless is indeed to be unfortunate; but the hearts of men, when unprejudiced by any obvious self-interest, are full of brotherly love and charity” (95). Although De Lacey lives a nonjudgmental lifestyle due to his inability to perceive, Felix and Agatha are the opposite. Felix “...struck [the monster] with a stick” the minute he saw him and drives him out of the cottage (97). The younger members of the family represent the view of society, which bases others on appearance.

- William Frankenstein: William is the youngest child of the Frankenstein family and he represents a childlike naiveté and innocence. However, when confronted by the monster, he shouted “epithets” at the monster and called him a “hideous monster” (126), showing malevolence even at such a young age. Although he verbally harassed the monster, he still represented innocence and became the first victim of the monster’s murders.

- Justine Moritz: Justine Moritz was adopted into the Frankenstein family and was taught the works of being a domestic worker. She was convicted of killing William Frankenstein when the monster was the true murderer. Even though her death was quickly approaching, “Justine assumed an air of cheerfulness, while she with difficulty repressed her bitter tears” (60). She was someone who appreciated the offerings life had blessed her with and knew that she should be grateful. Her last words thank both Elizabeth and Victor and it is the emotion of bliss and innocence that haunts Victor even more for his actions.

Symbols, Motifs, Archetypes, Allusions:Symbols:

Fire:

One of the main symbols is the fire that the monster first encounters in the wilderness. Fire is symbolic of knowledge. When the monster burns his hand, yet at the same time receives warmth, it shows that knowledge of the world will bring him happiness and comfort, but at the same time it will hurt him and bring him misery.

Lightning:

Another recurring symbol is the lightning that seems to accompany tragedy caused by the monster. The lightning symbolizes a sort of divine punishment, as if the heavens are punishing Frankenstein for his ambitious creation.

Moon:

Another symbol is the moon, which always seems to accompany the appearance of the monster. The moon shines light amidst the darkness of night, and thus represents the virtues and pure heart that is buried within all the malicious that seems to surround itself around the monster. Beneath all the violence and his murderous actions ultimately lies an originally pure heart that was tainted by misfortune and misery. In other words, the moon was a symbol for the monster’s heart.

Young Buds:

Another one of the symbols in the novel are the young buds that Victor notices outside his window during spring. Prior to this moment, Victor had fallen ill from his project. The budding flowers represent Victor’s renewal of both vitality and spirit as he has been nursed back to health by Henry over the winter.

Justine:

Justine is the symbol of innocence and her death is a representation of injustice. Elizabeth describes her as the “most amiable and benevolent of human creatures” (56).

When Justine is first accused of the murder of William, everyone is shocked that such a sweet girl would even be considered as the culprit. However, Justine is still found guilty because of general want to put the blame of William’s death on someone tangible. Shelley exposes the dangers of recklessly searching for justice, and the innocence that may be crushed in the process.

Motifs:

Nature: The motif of nature is important in the novel because it illustrates Frankenstein’s emotional change. Initially, he would be able to calm his feelings and discomforts by simply looking out at a view of beautiful scenery or the effects of a spring season. He finds peace and comfort through these sights. However, as the novel continues on, the actions of the monster become increasingly more violent, and this affects Frankenstein emotionally as well. Even with the view from on top of the summit of Montanvert, Frankenstein cannot ease and calm himself the way he used to. Ultimately, the motif of nature illustrates the progression of Frankenstein’s emotional changes before and after his creation.

Acts of Kindness: The monster’s acts of kindness throughout the story are deeply contrasted with the consequences he is given. When the monster was hiding nearby the cottage of the De Lacey family, he provides a pile of wood in front of their door and admiration of human interaction. Also, he saves a girl from drowning in the river one day while going through the woods. Ultimately, the monster’s benevolent acts are not appreciated by society. He is simply judged by his appearance and shunned by the humans. These images throughout the novel emphasize the monster’s efforts to be accepted and the rejection that society gives him in return.

Rejection:

The motif of rejection is significant because it illustrates the monster’s main struggle throughout the novel. He is constantly being rejected by society, as well as his own creator, Victor. The first time the monster experiences rejection is immediately after he comes to life. Victor is disgusted at the monster’s grotesque appearance and immediately abandons him. Soon afterwards, when he presents himself in front of the villagers, the monster is rejected by them as well. Finally, the creature is most disturbed when he is even rejected by a pure and innocent young child, William, who he later murders. This is especially significant to the creature because the child’s mind has not yet been contaminated by societies’ judgmental views. It is at this point when the monster realizes that nobody is willing to accept him because of his physical appearance and his loneliness leads him to desire a companion.

Archetypes:

Creator and Creation: The archetype of creator and creation is demonstrated through the relationship between Frankenstein and the monster he created. Frankenstein plays the role of God, giving a body and life to the monster. However, Frankenstein abandons

his creation because of fear. This abandonment is the cause of the monster’s unhappiness indirectly causes the deaths of Frankenstein’s family members. The consequences of irresponsibility are shown through the evils the monster is capable of accomplishing.

The lover: Elizabeth is represented as the lover or the character who wants to be with loved and ones and making them happy. She is the epitome of this image as she constantly wishes to be the caregiver of her family and the lover of her dear Victor. Even as a benevolent character, she also worries about being abandoned or left alone, such as when she believes that Victor is not interested in marrying her anymore.

The outcast: The monster is represented as the outcast in the novel by being abandoned by his creator and also from society. Even though he tries his hardest to be accepted, he fails to succeed.

The explorer: Walton is an explorer trying to find a new discovery in the Northern Ice. He is also an explorer trying to find something he never had before – a friendship. He is successful in achieving this role as he is able to somewhat be a confidante to Frankenstein while he tells his story as well as with the monster at the end of the novel.

The rebel: Victor Frankenstein is the rebel in this novel because he tries to accomplish the impossible by bringing the dead back to life. He goes against the morals of religion and nature and tries to pursue this goal through the studies of science.

The companion: Henry Clerval is represented as the companion character of Victor Frankenstein. He never leaves Frankenstein’s side even when he is ill or when he travels to England and Scotland.

Mad scientists: Victor is the archetype for the mad scientist as seen by his deep passion for the sciences. From an early age Victor was greatly fascinated by scientific theories about alchemy which ultimately led him to pursue his dream to create a living being. The way that Shelly portrays victor is reminiscent of the mad scientist because he spends years and years laboring over his experiment to create life and ultimately neglects his relationships and health in the process. He does not realize his boundaries and ignores scientific ethics in order to do what no scientist has ever done.

Allusions:

God and his creation, Adam:

The monster compares his relationship with Victor like the relationship between Adam and God; Adam is the monster and Victor God. This reference is used to illustrate the paternal duty that the monster feels that Victor also has--that he has to take responsibility for his creation and must heed the plea of the creation. Furthermore, this allusion is a reference to the fall from virtue and goodness that also plagued Adam. The monster, born as a “tabula rasa”, came to prize virtue and despise vice. However, as

the world mistreated him and exiled him from humanity, he was pushed into becoming what he looked like--a monster.

Dante Alighieri: Divine Comedy

Another allusion is made when Victor when he says that not even Dante could have come up with the monster he created. The reference is to Dante Alighieri, the Italian poet who is known for writing the Divine Comedy. In this work, Dante draws up his vision of hell and its creatures. By making such a statement, Victor basically accuses the monster of being worse than a creature of hell, a vicious attack on the nature and appearance of his own creation. This further exemplifies the effect that appearance has on people’s judgments.

The Story of Rimini (Leigh Hunt):

The reference to this poem illustrates the effect the natural scenery had on Frankenstein. It seemed to be the only thing that could somewhat make him feel better from the constant frustrations and emotions he that felt because of the monster. However, as the story progresses, the effect of the natural scenery seems to fade slowly.

Themes:

1. Injustice is prevalent everywhere in society.

Many characters in the story face injustices of their own. For the monster, the injustice was exclusion from society. The monster was brought to life in this world against his will by Frankenstein. Frankenstein creates him so visually awful that not a single person will even take the time to speak with the monster. People simply run away at the sight of him. The monster makes it clear that he is miserable and wishes he was never brought to life. The monster longs for acceptance and companionship and therefore inquires Frankenstein to create a female creature for him. The monster believes that the humans wrongfully neglect him, and in doing so, deny him the fairness of companionship. The result of feeling being wronged is a major cause behind the murder he commits.

Frankenstein feels that he is unjustly treated by the monster as well. After studying and working hard towards the goal of discovering the secret of life, Frankenstein is successful and brings the creature into existence. What should have been a pleasant reward turns out to be a curse upon him and those associated with him. Frankenstein sees that all the work that he poured his life into has caused him more harm than anything else in the world. Instead of thanking Frankenstein for giving him life, the monster blames Frankenstein. In this relationship between creator and creation, both feel unjustly treated by the other.

In addition to the creator and creation, other bystanders are affected as well. The most prominent act of injustice by society is the execution of Justine. A blameless girl, who was out searching for the missing child, William, is wrongly accused of murdering the child whom she loved. All the affection and concern she has for William is overlooked as she is tried before a court. The lust of society for searching for an answer to William’s death also causes Justine’s death. Justine was unintentionally caught in the chaos of events and must pay with her life. Injustice is blatantly expressed with the execution which the whole town supports.

2. It is inherent in the nature of living creatures to desire comradeship.

The desire for friendship is central to the story. The most desperate for an acquaintance is the monster, who is excluded by all other humans based on his looks. The monster searches intently for anyone to be the person who understands him. While spying on the De Lacey’s, the monster makes an intelligent plan to approach the blind man first in order to win his favor. Although unsuccessful, the monster in undeterred and makes yet another attempt by asking Frankenstein for a female companion. Frankenstein is extremely lonely and he is aware that his isolation is the cause of his unhappiness. The want of friends motivates him to commit the crimes that affect Frankenstein.

The desire for companionship is expressed even earlier in the story. While Captain Walton is writing to his sister, he articulates a wish for a friend whom he may share experiences with. Upon finding Frankenstein half-frozen traveling the northern ice, Walton hopes that he has found the friend he is looking for. Even the captain of a ship, with a crew full of other men, feels lonely in this world. Men from all classes and statuses, from a captain to a rejected monster, feel the need for companionship.

The same way finding friends create joy and happiness, the loss of friends can create sadness grief in similar scope. Frankenstein begins with a loving family and a loyal friend. However, the progressive loss of William, then Justine, then Clerval, and then Elizabeth, create a vacancy in him deep beyond compare. Frankenstein is constantly depressed and mournful, deeply missing his family and friends. The extent of which Frankenstein grieves for his family emphasizes the importance of having loved ones in one’s life. They provide comfort and contentment that is essential in one’s life.

3. Irresponsibility is linked with failure or damage.

In Frankenstein, the carelessness of people often brings disaster along. Frankenstein works diligently towards his goal of bringing the monster to life, but does not follow through completely with the task. After animating the monster, Frankenstein does not provide care or companionship for the monster. Instead, Frankenstein runs away, disgusted by the monster. The creature is forced to fend for himself and learns about the world without guidance from his creator. Through the irresponsibility of Frankenstein, the monster experiences alienation and loneliness. Frankenstein is a major cause in the deaths of his loved ones because he does not face the

consequences of his actions. He instead runs away and waits for the costs to catch up with him.

The death of William also occurred in part because of inattention. During a walk in the woods, Ernest and William leave the group to go on ahead. Ernest later comes back alone, saying that William had run out of his sight. William was alone and it gave the monster the opportunity to strangle the young boy. Little children should be constantly watched and guarded, and failing to do so with William led to his death. The negligence of the adults to watch over William enables the monster to commit his first murder.

At the end of Frankenstein’s tale, the story goes back to the ship with Walton and his crew. Walton’s original plan was to search for discoveries and knowledge. However, the dangers of the northern ice convince the crew to petition to return home. They decide to leave their duties and instead sail towards the comfort and safety of home. Walton’s mission becomes a failure because his crew refuses to cooperate. The discoveries that Walton could have made are lost because his crew decide to abandon the journey. Success is unable to exist where irresponsibility is present.

4. The ultimate justice is judgment founded on the basis of merit as opposed to judgment founded on superficial characteristics such as appearance.

The monster first formally appeals for companionship to De Lacey and tries to win his favor with his words and pure intent. De Lacey believes that the monster is fit for his sympathy and companionship; however, Felix makes a different judgment call based on the creature’s monstrous and homely appearance. Whereas De Lacey practiced justice by having the basis of his judgment on the character of the monster, Felix practices injustice when he brands the monster as monster based on his appearance. Judgment based on merit is justice because it works to provide what is right and fair to both parties involved and gives each party what it deserves. Appearance is a quality that people are born with, not something they have power over or can willingly change. Thus, it is not righteous for people to judge people for something they have no control over.

As the monster appeals to Frankenstein with the story of his experience, Frankenstein feels sympathy for the monster. However, when he looks up and looks at the monster, the sympathy disappears and is replaced with disgust and hatred. Excluding the murder of William, the actions and humanity of the monster have been of the highest quality. It is only the hideous exterior that causes people to shun him. Appearance has a way of distorting and influencing our judgment to some degree, beneficially or negatively. Justice is the act of ignoring such a factor and being able to make an objective decision based on merit and conscience..

As the monster hovers over Frankenstein’s dead body, he reflects on himself and judges himself on the basis of his own actions. Demonstrating the ultimate justice, he detests himself for his actions and the sins he committed. Even though he harbors the same feelings for himself as society felt toward him, the monster’s judgment is the only one that is justified because he establishes it on the basis of the wretched, terrible acts he has committed and not because of his appearance. Whether his actions were justified or not deals with another definition of justice. However, based on this understanding of justice, the monster demonstrated justice while humanity did not. The monster was the only one who could see past his own appearance and judge himself based on his actions and thus was the only character to have practiced justice in the novel.

Memorable Quotes:

- “It was the secrets of heaven and earth that I desired to learn” (19).

- “Destiny was too potent, and her immutable laws had decreed my utter and terrible destruction” (23).

- “We are unfashioned creatures, but half made up” (24).

- “A new species would bless me as its creator and source” (32).

- “Oh! no mortal could support the horror of that countenance” (36).

- “‘Life, although it may only be an accumulation of anguish, is dear to me, and I will defend it’” (68).

- “You accuse me of murder; and yet you would, with a satisfied conscience, destroy your own creature. Oh, praise the eternal justice of man!” (90).

- “Cursed, cursed creator! Why did I live? Why, in that instant, did I not extinguish the spark of existence which you had so wantonly bestowed?” (97).

- “‘The human senses are insurmountable barriers to our union’” (104).

- “Nothing is so painful to the human mind as a great and sudden change” (146).

Distinctive Characteristics of the Work:

- A frame story (a story told within a story)- An epistolary novel (written in letters)- Gothic Fiction (genre that has both romance and horror)